On September 10, 2024, Mayor Tim Murry of the City of Clermont officially declared the month of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, reinforcing the community’s commitment to raising awareness about this devastating disease and the need for further research and support.
Childhood cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease among children in the United States. Approximately 1 in every 285 children will face a cancer diagnosis before their 20th birthday. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and action. At any given time, there are about 40,000 children undergoing active treatment, with the average age of diagnosis being just 6 years old, compared to 66 years for adult cancer patients.
One significant concern is the rising rate of childhood cancer cases. Since the mid-1970s, the incidence has increased by 24%, with an annual rise of 0.6%. This increase in diagnoses underscores the necessity of enhanced research efforts to better understand and combat the disease.
Even more concerning is the long-term impact of cancer treatments on young survivors. Nearly two-thirds of childhood cancer patients will develop chronic health conditions resulting from the toxicity of their treatment. In some cases, these conditions are classified as severe or even life-threatening, affecting the quality of life for these children as they grow older.
Despite the urgency, there has been limited progress in developing treatments specifically for childhood cancer. Over the last 20 years, only four new drugs have been approved by the FDA to treat pediatric cancers, underscoring the significant gap in research and treatment options.
The National Cancer Institute recognizes the unique needs of childhood cancer research and the critical necessity for increased funding to support these efforts. Healthcare professionals and researchers are working tirelessly to treat and find a cure for childhood cancer, but there is still more work to be done.
In issuing this proclamation, Mayor Tim Murry called on the Clermont community to raise awareness of childhood cancer and to support ongoing efforts to find a cure. As part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Clermont joins countless others in standing with the children and families affected by this devastating disease.
Mayor Murry’s official proclamation, signed and sealed on September 10, 2024, honors the fight against childhood cancer and the dedication of the healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to treat it. He urged the community to continue raising awareness and supporting vital research to ensure that no child faces cancer alone.
Together, the City of Clermont stands united in its commitment to finding a cure.
